World Cup horseplay?

Anyone reading this blog will in some way I am sure have some dealing with horses and the showjumping scene ... I, as you have noticed by now have taken this to a whole new level by actively becoming involved with the biggest celebrities, if you will, by working for Castle Hill Farm.

So, we all know that the World Cup has been taking place in Geneva, Switzerland. Mclain and Sapphire have been doing exceptionally well! Jumping a brilliant clear on friday putting them in the lead! The feeling of being part of this amazing feat within the New York barn is beyond explanation! We are all so excited and happy for them and have been anticipating the ultimate class on Sunday (tomorrow).

All of these high hopes were dashed this morning when we got to the barn this morning when we all got news from Switzerland that Sapphire was eliminated as she was allegedly hypersensitive. Devastating. Anyone who has ever sat on a horse can appreciate how much hard work goes into riding. How much dedication we put into jumping fences accurately. So each and everyone of us can appreciate how much dedication, sweat and tears goes into a career that takes you to the level where you partake in the World Cup with all of the great riders of the world.

This news, like I said, was devastating. So as I understand it, this is what happened ... Mclain and Sapphire were due to enter the ring for their round when they were summoned to do a random vet check, she was cleared and allowed to enter the class. At midnight, after winning the class and being put to bed the officials again wanted to inspect her. Thermographic tests were conducted along with others which included prodding and poking her leg repeatedly! The leg showed hypersensitivity. After all of this foolishness, the horse was obviously fed up after her class and now being kept out of her stall to be poked, so, she flinched when her leg was poked. The verdict, unfit and therefore, disqualified. Who would stand still for that?! Human or equine. The horse was not allowed to jog to show soundness. Sound like horse play ...?

Has all of this technology replaced our ability to trust our instinct and intelligence? Or have we just manipulated it in a way to work to our advantage and the detriment of others? Why have the trusted methods of simply jogging a horse been completely discarded let alone combined with these fancy tests? Logic tells me that had every horse been thermographically tested after jumping a class of that height they would probably have all tested positive for the size of the heat spot that Sapphire was found unfit for.

I think that there are some very sour players in this game that are very bitter and twisted by the success of others. What happened if Sapphire had knocked a rail in the class? Would she still have been inspected 4 hours AFTER she competed? Had they found something wrong before the class, why not stop her before entering the ring? So many questions ... check out the link for a press release on the event and then tell my what your thoughts are!